Checklists help us get organized. There are a lot of things that need to be done the first week after you get laid off.. Taking stock of your finances is especially important if you are low on savings, or have large expenses. Making sure you’ve read all the documents you’ve received, and probably/maybe talked to a lawyer if needed (either if you feel you’ve been discriminated against, or if you have separation documents needing review). Working through your emotions is key, of course. This page has two checklists of things experts, and my friends, told me to do that first week. Most items link to more details, so check those out too!

My first week? Well, I had planned to hike on day 2. Here’s what my notes say:

Apparently we didn’t go hiking! But, I did golfing (sic) during the day, in November. I was clearly distracted the first few holes. It was obvious I was not working, and my brain was telling me I should be working. Eventually, I moved onto worrying about my golf score, and not not working, but I didn’t play well at all.

Golfing in November is a big deal for someone that lived most of his life in Minnesota, btw….normally golf allows me to really be present in the moment, to really concentrate on my next shot (well, when I’m not mad about a previous shot…). But clearly, my notes say otherwise

The 12 Item Checklist for that First Week After Being Laid Off

(I didn’t manage all of this, you probably won’t either, that’s ok)

Take care of your mental health

By now, you should have filed for unemployment benefits (I, alas, forgot this step, just one reason I started this site)

Talk to a lawyer about any documentation you have questions about (I definitely did this)

Make sure you understand your health insurance situation, and have a plan (Unfortunately, my wife is self employed, so we had limited options)

Develop some kind of routine that gets you out of bed, and doing at least several hours of productive things every day

Start assessing your financial situation

If you are entitled to outplacement services, start using them (Sometimes this is great, sometimes not. If you don’t like your adviser, ask for a different one)

Start an exercise routine

Talk to someone that you like talking to, nearly every day

Use your company’s employee assistance program, if you have access and are having difficulty processing this change

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Mike Sixel is the founder of Laid Off Better Off. Based in Portland, OR, he has first-hand experience in being unexpectedly laid off. He's made it his mission to provide support, resources and advice to others who are out of work.